Closing snapshot: European shares end higher

Despite the prospect of an end of quantitative easing, rising oil prices and a stronger euro, Shweta Singh, director global macro at TS Lombard, reckons there might be "more positive surprises in store" for the euro area. And this is thanks to ease of financing, strong consumer confidence, increasing capex and a broad-based recovery which looks "increasingly self-sustaining" and leaves room for more upgrades.